Friday, June 29, 2012

We all know how much of a task taking children to the Dentist office can be. Even for adults it can be a daunting task. We all seem to be sensitive about anyone being in our mouths, digging around. I had been taking my children to a dentist in our area for years. They didn't specialize in pediatric dentistry but I thought it was okay because my kids are a little older anyway. Well, that was until I started noticing problems with their teeth that the dentists' were ruling okay or "normal". After having to call and go in numerous times about issues I decided it was time to drive a little further to see someone who specialized in children/teens.

That's when I found Snodgrass - King in Spring Hill, TN. One week after we had gone to our regular dentist where all was deemed well we were sitting in the office of Snodgrass and King. My kids and I were amazed! There were video games for children of all ages. (I think I even got in a game of Pac-Man!) Televisions with age appropriate shows, a huge fish tank with a beautiful assortment of fish, and lots and lots of smiles. No sooner than we sat down, our pager was going off, and off to the back we went. More amazement! It was bright, and colorful and everything seemed to have it's own special place. Everything was pleasant and everyone we passed on the way to our destination smiled and said hello.

We got to where we were going and got all of the kids situated into their chairs and they laid back and watched the tv screens in the ceiling while Dr. Snodgrass came in and one by one made his rounds and thoroughly checked everything. He ordered X-Rays and while he was looking over them all he confirmed what I had known all along. There were issues. And not just small issues. 3 of my 4 children had to have teeth pulled, molds of their mouths, one had an adult tooth that was laying sideways that the other dentist deemed okay, and so much more. Dr. Snodgrass asked me how far we lived, and when I told him about 45 minutes away, he instantly took them all to the back. Everything they had to have done at that time, was done, that day! Great news for me! He and the staff were so helpful and comforting to my kids.

After all was done, he sent us back to Ortho where we met Dr. Dave and the Ortho staff. Another great I might add! He determined that 2 of the 4 needed braces and one would need a HERBST appliance. His teeth looked HORRIBLE when we went in! Very crooked, and he looked "buck-toothed" because his lower jaw was so far back from his upper jaw. They filled out all of the insurance paper work and it was sent right over. A few weeks later, insurance had approved everything and we were back in a week afterwards. Dr. Dave from Ortho called us in, explained everything very thoroughly and took the kids off to the back. When they returned braces were on one, HERBST appliance was on the other and there was not one mention of pain or not a notice of nervousness. They were actually quiet happy. They came out with new electric toothbrushes and a goody bag full of other items so they were good to go!

Our care continues every 4-6 weeks because of the braces but every minute there is well worth our while. My oldest son had to have oral surgery last week to get that tooth that was laying sideways to come down. It was all done in the same office and due to all of his prior visits with the braces he was comfortable with having this procedure done after Dr. Urbanek, the Oral Surgeon consulted with him and assured him he wouldn't feel anything during the procedure. The surgery took approximately 20 minutes and he came out and was fine. There was some minor discomfort of course due to the nature of the surgery but nothing he couldn't handle. We were given detailed instructions on proper care and medications to control his pain if needed. They even called that evening and the next day to check on him! My other son now has his braces on over the HERBST appliance, and the difference from Sept. 2011 to today is like night and day already!

When I was a child we didn't have insurance and my parents couldn't afford to take us to the dentist's office, so I always make sure my children's health is top priority. When I take my children to see Dr. Snodgrass - Dr. Dave or any of the great staff there, I know they are in good hands when they leave my side in the waiting area to go to the back.

All of the staff at Snodgrass - King have gone above and beyond to make sure that we are all taken care of no matter what our needs may be and that makes me one happy Mama!

Did I mention that they also see adults in a separate area inside of the same office! Great news for me (since I still have impacted wisdom teeth at 34!)

I highly recommend Snodgrass-King to anyone in the Middle TN area. There are several offices to choose from so I'm sure there is one near you. Even if you have to drive a little ways, it is more than worth it. Below is a list of their current locations:

You can read more about all of the services they offer HERE and be sure to check them out onFacebook and Twitter

Disclaimer: All opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by anyone.

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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Credit Sesame is offering a FREE Credit Score Report with no credit card information required and no grey-area trial period! All you have to do is sign up!

Credit Sesame makes managing personal credit online, owing less in interest and saving on mortgage, loan & credit card payments easy! You will get an instantaneous view of your credit, including your Experian credit score, refreshed monthly for FREE! Also included is debt analysis with personalized offers tailored to your consumer credit profile. Don't miss out on this great offer! Head on over HERE to get yours today!

I recently had the chance to review a cool new Soda Stream! There are several different models to choose from. I received the Fountain Jet-Soda Starter Kit.

This package includes:

Fountain Jet Home Soda Maker

1 60 liter Carbonator

1 Carbonating Bottle

3 SodaMix flavors (your choice) - each bottle makes 12 liters of soda

Sodamix Variety 6 pack

The flavors I received were Naturally Sweetened Cola, RootBeer, Caffeine Free Orange, Zero Cola, Diet Lemon Lime, Diet Pink Grapefruit, Natural Ginger Ale, and Natural Black Currant Pear. It also came with a 3 pack variety of My Water and a 6 pack sampler which included their energy drink (compare to Red Bull).

Now let me tell you a little about the Soda Stream itself. The Soda Stream allows you to make your very own sodas one liter at a time, and what that means for you is no stale soda sitting in the fridge which means less waste! Regular flavors contain no high-fructose corn syrup, and diet flavors are sweetened with Splenda® brand sweetener, not aspartame. This is great for us! We had a situation where we were buying the powdered drink flavorings and my husband started having major swelling issues. I finally read the back of the package and saw that it contained aspartame. We discontinued the product and everything was fine! So now, he can have the drink he enjoys without the harmful side effects. You can read more on the Taste and Nutrition HERE.

Soda Stream is also Environmentally Friendly! "According to the US Recycling Institute, more than 80% of bottles in the US do not get recycled and end up in landfills. Also, an estimated 4.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions were produced in the process of replacing the 134 billion bottles and cans not recycled in 2005."

Using your own home carbonation system means:

Less packaging waste from cans and bottles.
Less pollution caused by transport of bottled beverages.

"One SodaStream carbonator makes 60 or 110 liters, equivalent to 170 or 310 aluminum cans! When empty, the carbonator is refilled and reused, ready to make more fizzy and tasty soda whenever you want it". Read more about that HERE

NOW: When our Soda Stream arrived via UPS, my husbands first thing to try was the energy drink of course. Luckily enough my sister, who lives on Red Bull was here with one in her hand. He made a liter and we had her do a taste comparison. Identical. There was absolutely no difference in the taste. We have also made Cola which is also identical in taste and the kids are begging for more.

And for an average of $0.25 per can and $0.25 per liter of sparkling water, you cannot beat it! Cheaper is not always better, but in the case of the Soda Stream cheaper is not only better, but it's also healthier for you!

Overall, my family and I give Soda Stream a huge thumbs up! We couldn't be happier! We get the taste we enjoy, plus better for you and the environment, all in one!

Disclosure: I received a Soda Stream to review free of charge. However, this did not affect my opinion. All opinions are 100% my own. I was not and will not be compensated for this review in any other way.

Here is a unique site and an interesting concept that lets you fill in a survey and it will suggest the perfect shoe for you! This is a good one for those of you shoe hounds out there, or for those who want hip shoes but don’t have the time to shop for them!

Shoe Dazzle will send you private email offers based on your own private showroom and you can get name brand shoes for $39.95 and Free Shipping! And, for a limited time only use the coupon code PINKSHOES25 to get $10 off!

You will receive a personalized selection from Shoe Dazzle and a pair of shoes or item of your choice. The styles are selected just for you by our fashion experts. There is no obligation to purchase once you register, and you are charged only after you place your first order. In any month, you may select the Skip This Month button in your account section between the 1st and the 5th of the month and you will not be charged.

Once you get to the site, you will be asked a few questions about what your favorite designer name is, what actress you want to dress like, what type of she would you feel more comfortable walking in and so forth and then it will create your look and send you special offers & designs.

Get your kids new socks for less on Totsy this weekend! You will not see this good of a deal on Puma Legwear socks on most major deal sites so this is awesome! Get this Girls 6Pack Runner set for only $5.50 (originally $16) on Totsy. Choose from a variety of colors, lengths and sizes 5-11 for boys and girls. This sale ends Tuesday 6/26 at 9am!

Adorable Donita Toddler Dresses are on sale on Totsy for $10! I love this Floral Sleeveless Dress (for $10, down from $24.99). So precious and perfect for summertime! This sale ends Tuesday 6/26 at 9am! GO HERE to take advantage of this deal before it's gone!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Ends today at 6pm CST!! Simply “Like” ellaWrap on Facebook for the chance to win one of two beautiful sets of monogrammed bridal gift bags and one of two wedding keepsake envelopes. Head on over HERE to get entered..

Gevalia is offering 4 boxes of their original coffee or tea for only $9.99 with FREE SHIPPING. Gevalia is throwing in a coffee maker FOR FREE when you choose to participate in their Auto Delivery service. And, nothing is binding!! There are no contracts or cancellation fees if you cancel before your next delivery (you can set it up to 13 weeks out!). Sign up HERE

Enjoy the complete Gevalia experience when you choose convenient Auto Delivery and receive:

Here's a great way to save on entertainment over the summer (especially if you have kids!). Get your FREE 30 Day Trial to Blockbuster Total Access today!

This 30 Day Trial gives you unlimited rentals by mail, unlimited in-store exchanges, and games and Blu-ray discs are included. Oh yeah, that’s right! Video games are INCLUDED. Total bonus for the kids.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Food on the Table is a meal planning service that integrates sale items from your local grocery store and food preferences to create a customized meal plan and organized grocery list. Such a great idea! Choose from thousands of chef-selected easy dinner recipes or add your own.

Users can sign up with their email address or Facebook account online and/or download the App to their phone.

New members registering for Food on the Table can use the promo code SUMMERFREE to receive these services FREE FOR LIFE. This offer is not valid for people who already have a Food on the Table account. Head on over to
Food on the table to sign up now. I use this site myself and I LOVE It!

Join Totsy to receive exclusive sales for kids, moms, and families. Totsy offers moms on-the-go and moms-to-be access to brand-specific sales, up to 90% off retail, just for them and the kids, ages 0-8. Sign up by clicking on the picture above.

Two lucky Facebook fans will each win one set of 8 Bridal Party gift bags for their weddings. Two more fans will each win one two of ellaWrap's top-selling, adorable keepsake envelopes! That's four winners total over the next few days. Get entered for your chance to win. Here's how it works..

Right now SneakPeeq is offering a FREE Jeweled Pendant for new members! When I first signed up I got 2 free friendship bracelets. Kinda wishin' I would have waited now! Head on over HERE to claim your free gift now! This has a retail value of $62!

Monday, June 18, 2012

What would you do with better credit? Have you ever gone to make a major purchase only to be turned down because of your credit? Well Credit Repair is here to help. CreditRepair.com works to ensure that your credit scores and credit reports are in your own hands.By law, information reported about you to credit bureaus must be fair, accurate, relevant, substantiated and verifiable. Through our simple but powerful 3-step process, we help to ensure that credit companies can't abuse these standards. Head on over and see what they have to offer by clicking on the picture above.

Aluminyze is giving away $25 gift cards to the first 500 that follow the instructions on their FB page.. Hurry on over. You will need to like their page, comment on the post, and email them to get your $25 code.. Good Luck to you all.. They are still at 50 comment entries so share with your friends!

I recently had a chance to score a FREE swimsuit from Old Navy through Crowdtap. I was super excited when I signed into my account and that I was approved because I have only been a member for just a few months! As soon as I received my coupon I headed to Old Navy. I was going for the tankini just for more coverage but unfortunately my store didn't have a very large selection of the tankini's in stock, and since there was a delay in shipping due to an error, my coupon was expiring in 2 days so I went ahead and bought a 2 piece. They had many to choose from but my personal favorite was the American Flag design. I can't wait to get out in the sun now! I am one pleased Crowdtapper! If you're not yet a member, what are you waiting for? Sign up HERE and start tapping now!

Our Daily Deal site, SoLoLaDeals.com LAUNCHED THIS MORNING!!! We're so excited to be bringing you national deals on amazing products that have ALL been reviewed by bloggers! This means we've put these products to the test and they meet our standards. Today one of our deals is this *HOT* Gift Card Deal!! Score a $25 Gift Card for $20 ($5 savings) to stores like Gap, Old Navy, KMart, Sears, Macy's, & More, AND snag 25 points to bid on OTHER gift cards!!! Either way, you're getting a savings on the first gift card, and you could win ANOTHER gift card!!! PLUS, you get a $5 credit after your first purchase, making this only $15 NET!!!

Looking for something to help ease the pain of hair brushing? Well this is it! Meet the new Knot Genie! It magically gets rid of knots AND the complaining, making our lives just a little bit easier. Right now you can get it for just $10.00!! That's right at 50% off! But hurry because this special offer ends soon! Click on the pic to get yours today!

Right now Kelly Kits has a HOT deal on their Children's Art Kit Subscription. Marked down 54% from $32.96, now only $14.99.. This offer will end 6-23 so hurry on over and snag your subscription now by clicking the picture above..

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Down South Savings has joined Nancy from Penny Pincherholics to bring you this wonderful review and giveaway of The Big Top Cupcake. If you're an avid baker or know someone who is, this is the giveaway to enter. Read on for more details on what deliciousness was ensued in Nancy's kitchen and how you can get one of these awesome bakeware sets for yourself.

Who likes cupcakes?

I do, I do!

Who likes BIG cupcakes?

I DO, I DO!

I'm sure I speak for all the dessert lovers out there when I say that there is no better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than with a ginormous cupcake. When I heard that I was given the opportunity to review the Big Top Cupcake pan, I was beyond ecstatic. All of the possible frosting flavors and fillings came rushing through my mind and I couldn't help but feel a sense of giddiness knowing that I'll be having a cupcake that's 10 times the size of a normal cupcake in my possession. Can you imagine?
So when the Big Top Cupcake arrived at my doorstep, you already know what kind of excitement I was feeling. As usual, I ripped open the shipping box, grab the packaging out, and start reading everything from cover to cover. I wasted no time taking it to the kitchen and putting it to use. My husband looked at me like I was crazy because I had this huge smile on my face I almost looked crazy. Yes, that's what baking equipment does to me. Is that weird?
I decided to make an English toffee buttermilk cake with a sweet orange glaze to drizzle over it. The thought of it made my mouth water and that only got me to working faster. So, my ginormous cupcake adventure began....

With the pans lightly sprayed and the batter all ready to go, I finally popped them into the oven and waited (im)patiently for the results....

English Toffee Buttermilk Cake With an Orange Glaze Drizzle

Doesn't it look yummy? The directions were so easy to follow and it came out just the way I wanted it to. A couple things that I did to make everything run as smoothly as I expected were to spray the pans very lightly with non-stick spray and level out the cakes when they were out of the oven and cooled. The directions mentioned this and I followed it to the letter....I'm glad I did because things worked out perfectly. The pans are very sturdy and can stand up to the heat without getting warped or damaged. The best part is, it's refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher safe! So convenient.
I have to say, I think I've found a new baking toy. There are so many possibilities with this pan and you're not limited to just making it look like a cupcake. As you can see above, I simply did a glaze drizzle to show hopefully show you how it looks when they come out of the oven. Next time, I'm thinking of doing a cute little bee hive. Oh the possibilities....
I am absolutely ecstatic that I had the opportunity to try out The Big Top Cupcake. It fit so perfectly into my lifestyle that I couldn't be more happy about doing this review. And guess what? This review is not the only thing that came with this awesome bakeware.....there's a giveaway too! You all have a chance to win one for yourself. I can feel the excitement from everyone as I'm typing. I know how you feel, trust me. One lucky winner will be a proud owner of a Big Top Cupcake. All you have to do is complete the tasks on the rafflecopter widget below and you're all set for a chance at winning!
Giveaway starts Sunday June 17 and ends Sunday July 1. Open to US and Canadian residents only.
Have fun, good luck, and enjoy!
Thanks for entering..

*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.*

Friday, June 15, 2012

I can't believe we have made it to this point, it seems like such a short while ago when I was setting up Coupons and Friends and now here we are at 6,000 Fans. I owe so much of this to my fellow bloggers who answer even the stupid questions I come up with and my fans who support me!! You all make my days a little brighter.

Paper Cotiere is giving first time customers a FREE journal. Head on over HERE to take advantage of this awesome deal! **Standard shipping rates apply with no minimum purchase necessary for the customer.

Sign up for Lullaby Lane's newsletter by clicking the link on the side bar ---------->

When you sign up for their newsletter you are gaining access to a great resource where you will get free stuff, coupons, and good deals! *Note, when you enter your info, and are not interested in the offers they will offer you, just click skip.. It takes about 2 minutes total :)

Are you a blogger? Are you looking for more opportunities to get more visitors to your site? Then check this out:

The Eddie Bauer Baby Collection Giveaway Event hosted by the Iowa-Mom and Bay Area Mommy is now open to bloggers! The cost is $2 per link or free with announcement post. The event dates will be July 2nd - July 30th. Head on over HERE and in the referral section tell them Down South Savings sent you! Hope to see you guys on the RC!

New Members Only: Sign up for JGOOD and recieve an instant $5 credit, then when you place an order over $25 you will receive another $5 off when you use coupon code 10aff25 That would make these Matte Filigree Crest Gold Dangle Earrings $15!! Head on over HERE to take advantage of this sweet deal.. *Note: You are not limited to this particular set of earrings, you may choose anything you want and apply your $5 credit and if the order is over $25 you can apply the coupon code!

Give Oh Giveaway is giving you a chance to win a Yoli Better Body System prize pack. The winner will receive a sample of each of the drinks: Fun, Truth, Passion (berry), Vanilla Yes and Chocolate shakes, and a bottle of Alkalete! So if you or a loved one has been needing to loose some extra pounds, head on over HERE to read her full review and get entered! Good Luck to you all..

You must email the host with in 48 Hours To Claim Your Prize Or A New Winner Will Be Selected

If You Entered Our Thankful Thursday Flash Giveaway Only 1 Winner Has Claimed Their Prize. So Check To See If You Won Remember The Winners Only Have Until 11:59 PM Tonight To Claim Their PrizeClick Here -->To See Winner Information

Issues With RC:

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MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A COMMENT AND THE NAME OF THE BLOG YOU ARE ENTERING FROM FOR ALL YOUR ENTRIES TO COUNT

So today was the day I was going to clean the fish tank thoroughly instead of the partial water change, and move the tank to the stand instead of on top of the entertainment center. All was going well. We had buckets of water sitting everywhere, chlorine free, room temperature, etc. So we started by putting the old tank water into a pan and adding our 16 Guppies and then the little catfish looking sucker fish. We cleaned everything thoroughly. All the trees, rocks, ornaments, etc All was going well. Until...

I had came to sit down for a minute while my daughter was putting the gravel back into the tank. Well about 10 minutes had passed so I went back to check on the progress when I stepped on something squishy (only with my big toe thanks goodness!) I screamed, jumped back and tried to figure out what it was! Looked like a gooey slug to me. Well, it clicked! My black male guppy! He had jumped out of the pan on the counter and fell into the floor right in front of the dogs water bowl! My daughter grabbed the bowl of water poured it over the fish and he started flopping! Relief! He was alive! Picked him up, put him back in the pan, all was well again. So we went back to preparing the tank.

Ok, so the tank is set up all the trees are in place filter, heater, everything working. It's time to get the fish back into the tank, that never made it to the stand I might add! A combination of nerves from stepping on my fish and stress made me forget all about WHY I was cleaning the tank in the first place!

So I get the 10 babies in first. Easy peasey. They had been in the breeding net since birth b/c I learned the hard way after the other 46 were eaten that you must separate the mama from the babies, b/c there is no bonding going on there. She will pop them out of one end and turn right around and eat them! (Guppies are live bearers) SO.. I start adding the adult guppies when I notice I'm missing my pretty little orange male. I instantly freak b/c of situation with the other male. We looked and looked. All over the counter, floor, etc! Nothing! 15-20 minutes had passed and he was no where to be found. So I start pulling trash out of the trash can and sure enough, there he lays. Lifeless! So I go to screaming...AGAIN, and here comes my 3 boys all manly looking at me and my daughter like we are just nuts! My middle son scooped him up from the trash and tossed it into the dogs water bowl. And there he floats..

Well, I decide he's dead. He's not moving, we just need to take him to the porcelain throne. But my daughter has bigger plans. She's 11 and she loves any kind of animal. The girl had the outside frogs a mini mansion built out of leftover wood from our hardwood floors! There is not an animal that she doesn't love. So she starts ever so gently squeezing the fish to "get the water back into his lungs". I roll my eyes (behind her back of course) but if that makes her feel a little better before I have to flush the little guy then whatever.

When all of a sudden she starts yelling "He's breathing!" I ran back over there, and low and behold the little guy IS breathing. He was still floating on his back, but he IS breathing! She then grabs his tail, and starts pushing him back and forth until he eventually starts to try to swim! I'm thinking no way! He has been in the trash can for a while but he is freakin' breathing again! So we poured him back into the tank with the rest of the fish and he IS moving! He's hanging with the other fish right now. He's a little shook up but at least he's alive! We will see how it goes, and I will keep you posted but for right now, I must go mop up the puddles of water in my kitchen floor!

UPDATE** The fish died a few hours later.. He was swimming around the tank, eating, and even hounded the females for a minute. (The "Fish CPR" didn't work the 2nd time)

Friday, June 8, 2012

I recently had the opportunity to review the PottyCover Disposable Seat Covers and let me tell ya' I'm glad I did. Now, my kids are older but I have young nieces and we are constantly on the go doing our couponing trips and of course that means we spend some time in public restrooms. Have you guys visited some of these restrooms lately? WOW! We all know how curious and carefree little kids are. They don't care about germs they just know they got to go and they don't care where it is! Now granted some stores do have the toilet SEAT covers and that's great but the PottyCover offers a little more than just seat protection.

The PottyCover brand actually goes down the front base of the toilet to cover the area where the back of the legs and their clothing would normally sit and also covers the sides where their hands would be to "hold on". So we have all around protection in one!

The bag comes as a pack of 6, individually wrapped covers so it's handy to throw in your purse before leaving the house and it still be sanitary when it needs to be used! Another plus! I am really pleased with this product. Simple but genius idea! They were ranked as Amazons Best Seller in the category in August 2010 and for good reason I might add!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are 100% my own